Cessna 177B Cardinal, N34959, accident occurred on January 13, 2026, near Ocoee, Tennessee

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=N34959

- History of Flight:
On January 13, 2026, at about 1532 local time, a privately-registered Cessna 177B Cardinal, N34959, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Ocoee, Tennessee. The sole pilot onboard suffered minor injuries. The flight originated from the Chattanooga-Lovell Field (CHA/KCHA), Chattanooga, TN, at 1512 LT, and was destined to an unknown location.

According to the FAA: "Aircraft experienced engine issues and crashed in a field." ADS-B data indicates the airplane was climbing through 4,900 ft when it entered a descending left hand turn, aiming for an open field. The airplane circled around the field, landed, struck a fence and trees before coming to rest.

- Weather:

METAR KRZR 131955Z AUTO VRB06G13KT 10SM CLR 14/M06 A3003 RMK A01

METAR KRZR 132015Z AUTO 18010KT 10SM CLR 14/M06 A3002 RMK A01

METAR KRZR 132035Z AUTO 17007G15KT 140V210 10SM CLR 15/M06 A3000 RMK A01

METAR KRZR 132055Z AUTO 19007G13KT 160V220 10SM CLR 14/M06 A3000 RMK A01

METAR KCHA 131953Z 21009KT 10SM SCT250 16/M05 A3006 RMK AO2 SLP178 T01611050 $

METAR KCHA 132053Z 19008KT 10SM SCT250 17/M04 A3002 RMK AO2 SLP165 T01671044 58039 $

Figure 1: ADS-B exchange data ran through Google Earth

Figure 2: End of track